The federal govenment has made qualifying for mortgages difficult for those who are stretching to get into a home or more expensive home at the top end of their affordable range. Apparently the experts figure 10 to 12% of buyers will be affected as discussed in this article; https://news.vice.com/en_ca/article/gyw53q/canadas-new-mortgage-rules-guaranteed-to-further-slow-down-the-market As usual the government has taken the blunt approach to the situation, and one that is probably... [read more]

Simply said you need a properly prepared listing with suitable pictures in the appropriate MLS represented by a professional, experienced realtor with a good quality office are all integral parts of the process. Why would you pay more for those services than you need to when you sell your house? Give me a call and I can help you save thousands, possibly tens of thousands. My fee to sell your house through me can be as little as 1% plus 2.5% to the selling broker plus HST, possibly less... [read more]

Stay tuned for my latest ideas, news and tips on real estate! December  15, 2015 CMHC will be increasing down payments on properties with new mortgages over $500,000 as of February 15th, 2016, an overdue move on their part The amount over $500,000 and up to $1,000,000 will require an additional 5%, just an extra $10,000 on a $700,000 purchase with minimum down and the ability to qualify for the mortgage. It really should not make a big difference to the market, but the... [read more]

This was my response to a recent article regarding home inspectors and the upcoming licensing of inspectors in Ontario; As a real estate broker I have dealt with many inspectors over the years. Some are really good, most are fairly good, some are really bad, even corrupt, and they all miss things from time to time. Two to three hours is not really enough time to do a full inspection, and there are some things they can not check, like inside walls. A recommendation for an... [read more]

Commissions:  How Much Is Fair? When you sell your house the choice of realtors and companies can be confusing. There are a lot to choose from and a lot of claims about who is the best and why employing them is the right choice. Claims of having amazing marketing systems are usually proven to be just a way to charge you a lot more than you likely need to pay to get your house sold. Aside from a properly prepared listing and pictures on the right MLS and on realtor.ca there is rarely... [read more]